The Historic Launch of Discovery
STS 51-A Mission Overview
The STS 51-A mission, which took place on November 8, 1984, marked the fourteenth flight of NASA's Space Shuttle program and was the second flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery. This mission aimed to deploy two communications satellites and to conduct significant research in space.
Launch Details of STS 51-A
Live from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Discovery was launched at 3:01 PM EST. The launch showcased remarkable advancements in space technology, demonstrating NASA's continued dedication to furthering human exploration beyond our planet.
Key Objectives and Achievements of the Mission
Deployment of Satellites
One of the primary objectives of the STS 51-A mission was the successful deployment of two essential satellites: FLTSATCOM-2 and MSG-1. These satellites played crucial roles in enhancing military communication and providing meteorological data, proving the mission’s significant impact on both defense and research sectors.
Extravehicular Activity (EVA)
During the mission, astronauts conducted a remarkable Extravehicular Activity (EVA), which allowed them to test new tools and equipment for future missions. This was critical in paving the way for future space walks and furthering our understanding of working in space.
Fun Fact
Discovery’s Remarkable Legacy
The Space Shuttle Discovery has had a long and storied career, ultimately completing a total of 39 missions over its lifetime. It has played instrumental roles in significant events such as deploying the Hubble Space Telescope and constructing the International Space Station.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program
For those interested in diving deeper into the history of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, consider reading "The Space Shuttle: The History of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Shuttle Program" by Richard R. Tregaskis or "Shuttle: The Early Years" by Jon S. Geymen.
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